K10 Academy · Portland, Oregon
Reactive Dog
Training
Reactivity isn’t a flaw. It’s a communication problem — and it’s one we know how to solve.
Call to Get StartedYour Dog Isn’t Bad.
They’re Overwhelmed.
Lunging, barking, spinning at the end of the leash — these aren’t signs of a broken dog. They’re signs of a dog who hasn’t learned how to handle a big world. That’s exactly what we train for.
What We Treat
Reactivity Gets Worse Without Intervention
Leash reactivity is one of the most common — and most mishandled — behavior issues in dogs. Without proper support, it escalates. Walks become ordeals. Freedom gets restricted. The bond between dog and owner frays.
At K10 Academy, we train for the triggers that actually exist in your dog’s life — other dogs, strangers, bikes, joggers, loud sounds. No sterile training environments. No band-aid solutions.
Our Philosophy
Threshold Work. Real-World Exposure. Clear Communication.
At K10 Academy, relationship-first training is the foundation of everything we do. We don’t use methods that create fear or damage the bond between dog and owner — but we use the full range of communication tools dogs actually understand. The goal is a dog who chooses to engage with you, not one who complies out of anxiety.
We teach dogs to look at triggers and think, not react — and we teach owners to read their dog well enough to help them do it.
Sound Familiar?
Signs Your Dog May Be Reactive
You don’t need all of these to need help. One is enough.
Lunges or barks at other dogs on leash, even friendly ones
Reacts to strangers, joggers, cyclists, or skateboards
Goes over threshold quickly — hard to bring back down
Sensitive to sudden sounds, loud environments, or crowds
Anxious or hyper-vigilant even in familiar environments
Gets worse on leash than off — or worse in certain locations
Reactive dogs are often highly intelligent, sensitive animals. They need structure and understanding — not punishment.
How It Works
Our Approach to Reactivity
We don’t just teach your dog to tolerate triggers. We teach them to genuinely feel differently about the world around them — and give you the tools to maintain that progress long after training ends.
Assessment
We start by understanding your dog’s specific triggers, threshold levels, and history. No two reactive dogs are the same — the training plan isn’t either.
Foundation Work
Before exposing your dog to triggers, we build reliable focus, calm, and communication tools — so you both have something to work with when things get hard.
Controlled Exposure
We introduce triggers at levels your dog can handle, gradually raising criteria as confidence builds. We train under threshold — not at the breaking point.
Real-World Generalization
Skills get practiced where they actually matter — on Portland streets, trails, and parks — not just in a training facility. Progress has to hold in real life.
Training Investment
Private sessions $140–$175 depending on package size. Every dog is different — call us and we’ll talk through what makes sense for yours.
Sessions run $140–$175 depending on package size — the more sessions you commit to, the lower the per-session rate. Before recommending a package, we want to hear about your dog. A quick call helps us point you toward the right fit.
Call 503.292.1396Oregon Dog Rescue Adopter? You Qualify for 15% Off.
K10 Academy is proud to support Oregon Dog Rescue and the families who open their homes to shelter dogs. If your rescue dog’s challenges go beyond reactivity, our Rescue Dog Training program may be the right fit. Mention ODR when you call — your discount applies to any training package.
Before You Book
What to Expect
Reactivity training takes consistency and time. Here’s what working with us actually looks like — so you come in with the right expectations.
Private Sessions Only
All sessions are one-on-one. No group classes — reactive dogs don’t benefit from chaotic learning environments. You get focused attention for your dog’s specific challenges.
You’re Part of the Work
We train you as much as your dog. The skills you practice between sessions matter as much as what happens in them. You’ll leave each session knowing what to work on and how.
Real Locations
Sessions are conducted in the environments where your dog actually struggles — Portland neighborhoods, parks, and trails. Not a sanitized training room.
A Turning Point, Not a Finish Line
Reactivity rarely has a finish line — and we won’t pretend it does. What training delivers is a turning point: the moment walks stop feeling like crisis management and start feeling manageable. Most clients reach that point within a few sessions. The work continues after that, but you’ll have the tools, the reads, and the confidence to keep making progress on your own.
From Portland Dog Owners
“My dog went from snarling and lunging at strangers to moving away from approaching people and looking to me for guidance. They taught me how to strengthen my relationship with my dog, who is now far more comfortable in the presence of strange people and public settings. After researching tons of dog trainers in Portland, I can confidently say I would recommend K10 Academy to anyone.”— Nadia B.K. · Google Review
“By the end of our 3rd session, our reactive dog was playing safely with Ray’s dog. I feel confident in my dog handling abilities to keep training on my own — and I know Ray will always welcome our pup back for more.”— Kasper J. · Google Review
“Ray is a patient and kind trainer. He gave me very specific instructions to help my very reactive dog. His guidance was easy to follow and effective.”— Julie S. · Google Review
Ready to Change
the Walk?
Book a session and we’ll assess your dog’s specific reactivity patterns and build a training plan around them.